History Lesson

I have searched for an exact date of inception and basically run into brick walls but the general consensus is that the Antique Auto Plate came about in the mid-1950s. At that time the Antiques that qualified were 1916 and up to the mid-1930s. These were registered under Title 457 of the State statutes where they still are to this very day. Title 457 is the Speciality Vehicle Registration pigeon hole that has caused much controversy in recent years including this year. More on that in a bit.

In the ensuing years after the issue of the Antique Auto Plate, a group of younger "tiquers" were making modifications to their vehicles. This really did nothing to endear themselves into the hearts and minds of the MOAL or the AACA (Maine Obsolete Auto League & Antique Automobile Club of America respectively). As the tension between the groups grew, the younger "tiquers" became Street Rodders and approached the State Police and Legislators to get their own plate. This time frame is also believed to coincide with the founding of the NSRA in the 1970s.

By the end of the 70s the Street Rod Plate was a fact of life, the Tiquers were happy and so were the new guys "the rodders". Only one problem, the Registration criteria was also listed in Title 457.

Title 457 was originally for Antique Autos which by definition are a limited use vehicle. Street Rods at the behest of the rodders were not limited use and were indeed made to be inspected by the Chief of the State Police again at the behest of the Street Rodders.

In the year of our lord 2005 the Custom Auto plate saw the light of day and this to is listed in 457 and again in 458b. These enthusiasts working with the MCAA and a large contingent of Rodders wanted the same rights and permissions that the rodders had and that is what they got.

The controversy lies in the fact that Title 457 is for limited use vehicles which do not need to be inspected. This was a good thing in the 1950s. In 2011 it is not such a good thing and has caused a rift of sorts between the Customs/Rodders and the "tiquers". This Anti-Inspection contingent is basically led by, You Guessed It, the Right Reverend Fudgewhistle and the Church of Holy Misinformation.

The belief of the Reverend is that because the language of Title 457 is based on the limited use definition and because the registration criteria for Street Rods and Customs is also listed in Title 457 they to are Limited use. Thus his sermon from the mount is that Antiques, Street Rods & Customs are all limited use. Being limited use they need not be inspected.

I'll Continue this later.